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A Darwin school teacher has been stood down after allegedly posting a Facebook rant the day after a student killed himself, in which he described the teenager as a "bully" and a "disrespectful little brat".

The Northern Territory Department of Education said the teacher's alleged actions were disrespectful and would not be tolerated, after his message was widely circulated and heavily criticised on social media this week.

This type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The Facebook post reads: “You were a bully to kids smaller and younger than yourself, I saw you intimidate, stand over and beat up on younger kids (never anyone your own size).

“You made life hell for genuine students wanting to learn and teachers trying to teach.

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"You were a moody, disrespectful little brat in and away from school who was always given excuses by your parents and soft people in authority. Your [sic] gone, good no sympathy or empathy from me ...”

Distraught students and parents began circulating the message on social media and called for the teacher to be sacked.

Fairfax Media has chosen not to name the 16-year-old student nor the teacher, who now is facing a fierce online backlash.

Susan Bowden, the Northern Territory's deputy chief executive of school education, said the teacher had been stood down immediately.

"The Department of Education deeply regrets the stress to family and friends caused by this teacher's alleged actions at this difficult time," Ms Bowden said in a statement.

"The teacher in question tendered his resignation last Friday to take effect from 14 April 2014, however the teacher was stood down immediately when the department became aware of this incident.

"The teacher is not at school and will not return. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the Department of Education. The Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory has been notified."

Ms Bowden said the education department's social media guide, among other documents, provided staff with clear guidelines about what was appropriate to post on social media.

One person claimed online that the teacher's description of the boy was inaccurate.

"This poor boy that left the world had so much going for him and was actually such a nice caring boy, but obviously felt he didn't want to be here anymore," wrote one person.

"This is the last thing he's [sic] family and friends need, is a teacher writing a status basically saying good job."

❏ Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.